Heather Anne Wright

I'm trained as a marine ecologist with a special affinity for photosynthetic microbes - plankton! My education and training has taken me all over the global oceans in relentless pursuit of data to address scientific questions about the marine environment. My passion for science and enthusiasm for this subject naturally led me to teaching and working in a hands-on capacity in the field. After numerous years of working in the field, I've finally discovered my niche and settled on a satisfying technical career in R&D for an aquatics instrumentation company here in Scarborough, Maine.

My personal love of Maine really transpired the moment I decided to finish my undergraduate career along the coast. I fell in love with the bold coast, the ocean air, and the diversity of organisms. In my free time, I've learned to embrace the four seasons and enjoy the outdoors in all weather. I've had the chance to live and work on remote coastal and inland environments. I've hiked, biked, ran, swam and explored many areas and found that Portland always felt like home.

When I'm not solving complex scientific problems, I'm enjoying the outdoors, reading, playing musical instruments (classical and jazz trained in performance and composition), making handmade books and papers from natural fibers, and brainstorming another letterboxing adventure in Maine. It's great to be back in the creative community of Portland!

Why did you choose Portland? Portland offers a culturally diverse, creative, vibrant economy and lifestyle. It was also the best choice for public transit since I don't own a car!

Who are Portlanders you admire and why? Mary Allen Lindeman and Alan Spear - business owners of Coffee By Design. I had the pleasure to work with them over the years. They have really transformed the small business model in Portland and I admire their dedication to their customers, product and employees.

What do you like to do with out-of-towners? Bring them to Two LIghts State Park, get a lobster roll, enjoy an excellent coffee and take a stroll along the Promenade of the city.

Where's your "happy place" on the peninsula? Fort Allen Park on the Eastern Promenade, overlooking the ocean and islands while watching sailboats in the harbor!

What's the most surprising thing about this city? An extremely well connected public library and efficient transportation system.

What's your favorite indulgence and where do you find it? A delicious pour-over coffee from CBD on Diamond Street.

What's the most under-appreciated place or thing in town? Bike lanes!

Describe your perfect night—and the following morning—in Portland. A great pizza and a nice wine from Rosemont Bakery, a movie or evening stroll on Back Cove, and then a bicycle ride in the morning to CBD.

Do you have a serendipity spot? Where do you always bump into good people? The Portland Museum of Art